The passage of Proposition 12 in California creates a bright-line legal standard that prohibits the confinement of egg-laying hens, pigs used for breeding, and calves raised for veal in cages or crates so small that they are essentially immobilized for their whole lives. Photo by iStockphoto

The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund take on the big fights: the ones that have the greatest long-term impact for the most animals. On Election Day, we prevailed once again with two decisive and historic victories, one for farm animals in California and another for greyhounds in Florida.

In a vote that promises to benefit tens of millions of farm animals, California voters spoke loud and clear by approving Proposition 12. The measure, approved by a supermajority of 60 percent, creates a bright-line legal standard that prohibits the confinement of egg-laying hens, pigs used for breeding, and calves raised for veal in cages or crates so small that they are essentially immobilized for their whole lives. It also requires that eggs, pork and veal sold in California meet this same standard. We are grateful to our coalition partners who helped make this victory possible.

In Florida, voters passed – by a nearly 69 percent vote – a measure to ban greyhound racing. We needed just 60 percent of the voters with us to win, and we took nothing for granted. Working with our allies at GREY2K USA Worldwide, the Doris Day Animal League and others, we gave it our all, and since Florida has 11 of the remaining 17 racetracks in the country, the vote to end racing here is a major step toward sounding the death knell for this cruel “sport.”

Since Florida began tracking greyhound deaths in 2013, 493 dogs have died on its tracks. The demise of this industry, built on the suffering of animals, couldn’t have come a moment sooner. Photo by iStockphoto

There are now approximately 8,000 greyhounds being used in the Florida racing industry, and since the state began tracking greyhound deaths in 2013, 493 dogs have died on its tracks. Ninety-four percent were three years old or younger. In a single county, Seminole, since May 2017, 87 greyhound injuries have been reported, including 64 greyhounds who suffered broken bones and five dogs who died. The demise of this industry, built on the suffering of animals, couldn’t have come a moment sooner.

Both of these measures faced tremendous opposition at every step from groups with tremendous clout. Trade associations like the American Veal Association, National Pork Producers Council, California Pork Producers Association, National Association of Egg Farmers, Association of California Egg Farmers and the California Farm Bureau lined up against the California measure. In Florida, Amendment 13 had some unusual opponents, including the American Kennel Club, the NRA and the Farm Bureau. But the deep pockets of these special interest groups were no match for the energy of our staff members and volunteers who worked for months to mobilize millions of voters in favor of Amendment 13 and Proposition 12.

We are excited by these victories today. With the most populous U.S. state voting for better treatment of farm animals, and with the largest remaining stronghold of greyhound racing rejecting it, we’re on the verge of powerful change for the better. Let’s celebrate these tremendous wins, and applaud Florida and California for showing the rest of America – and the world – a better way forward.

Yes, finally, one good deed for animals. Let’s hope all states follow suit.
Another issue is the end of horse slaughter once and for all. Our horses, wild or domesticated need our constant support. We can no longer turn a blind eye on them. BLM, is as corrupt as it gets, from what has been recently written, when dealing with our wild horses.

Absolutely!!! Horses have also fallen to the weigh side. Now that the ball is rolling with humane treatment of anilmals I’m hoping that horses can move to the fore front. We still have alot of work to do. Thank you to all who have worked so hard to get these laws and propositions passed. You are a GOD send.

Hi, thanks for your question. Racing greyhounds are legally owned by the industry and are sent to the industry sanctioned greyhound adoption groups all over the country. Traditionally, the industry will only send their dogs to adoption groups that openly defend them or remain silent about animal welfare problems associated with racing. The Humane Society of the United States has continually reached out to industry to offer assistance. With the passage of Amendment 13 in Florida, we are fully committed to partnering with the industry to find homes for these gentle dogs. We are hopeful the industry will be open to working with us in a joint effort to do the right thing for these dogs.

God bless that these laws were changed for the better God bless our animals they should be treated humanely, with compassion, love and respect… God bless everyone who’s trying to help our wonderful animals and somebody mention the next thing on the agenda is our horses we’ve got to stop having our horses transported out of the United States to be slaughtered we have to help them they are precious and beautiful animals !!
God Bless Them!!

So true! The abuse of horses and other animals in this country would not be happening if not for the “deep pockets”. We need many more issues brought to the forefront for the voters to decide the verdict. The sooner the better.

So glad moreneed’s to be done to protect all 4 legs animals I have 4 all fixed they r my babies I was at the right place and time to get him almost 10 years ago they took him away from his mother the night he was born when I got him he had not ate for day r 2 they tried to feed him hard food and soft food no bottle he was am mess no one gave him much chance for living I did he so loving and caring that law’s need to be tuff on people who abuse any animal no matter what we do not stand up and fight for them the abusers when so happy that they passed maybe other state will follow and understand that people are tried of seeing the being abused

Do your research and no what you are talking about before you put a bad spin on a great achievement such as this. Not everyone that adopts animals have kids. In fact a lot of people have pets and not kids.

I agree Aden. Now who is going to police these kennels? I suspect we will find piles of dead greyhounds with their tattooed ears cut off. I don’t like the racing Industry either, but now thousands of dogs have no job.

Florida having 11 of the 17 remaining dog tracks, and a LOT of rescue groups scoop up greyhounds quickly due to people being aware of this struggle. It IS a HUGE concern. I’d like to know about this as a shelter volunteer myself! Thanks for sharing it & PRAYING FOR A GREAT ANSWER!

Florida already has anti-cruelty laws in place, which such an act would definitely fall under. I would think that threat to rather empty considering the owner’s financial situation now, and the overall disapproval of their industry.

I agree yeah it’s great that we got it past but nobody did anything about determining the future of these greyhounds now that it has been stopped and what I see is horrendous amount of death Unfortunately for those beautiful animals

I agree with you they may of just signed the death warrant for thousands of dogs. But, beware that they could just move the racing to another state that needs revenue and has more leanant laws. It will be interesting to follow

this is my biggest fear too, Aden. There needed to be something put in this ban, that would fine any owner that mass euthanized their dogs. We could have 8,000 dead greyhounds because of this. I have not read the entire ban, I am going something was included in the phase out to keep them safe! But i do not have a good feeling about this.
There will be big shipments of Greyhounds to other countries who still race them.

Really?? That’s like asking all PRO-LIFERS how many children they have adopted!! This is GREAT news. Do you think that the fight is over?? Try and put your negative energy into helping the retired greyhounds find forever homes!!

It is an often heard threat and some hard hearted S O Bs may do this. We had a dog racing track in our town and while it was running as well as when it shut down people adopted the dogs. If the owners care about their animals they will not want them to be euthanized. Any that do should be criminally prosecuted if at all possible.

That is more evidence they are not the loving owners of true athletes they pretended to be during the campaign, and are really the cruel, greedy a-holes the supporters of the ban knew they were. I only hope those are empty words bc there is no benefit to them to do that as opposed to allowing adoption or even sale as purebreds. Except spite and vindiction.

I agree with you 100%, but I think there is so much “big money” involved in horseracing, that it would take an act of God to stop it! None of those beautiful animals deserve to be used and exploited for monatory gain!

The animals are too young-their knees growth plates have not grown together yet as 2 yr olds (The Triple Crown) that’s why they break down so soon! Now as a 5 yr old that might work as they are fully adults! As a horse owner of World Champion horses, that is why I don’t enter them in the money races because in the QH industry, the 2 yr old horses are in classes that put a strain on their legs, ligaments and tendons when they are so young—just think they are started in their first year of life not counting their birth year—that’s like making your infant run as fast as you on the end of his first birthday year! Pathetic, unhorseman like!!!!

I’m thrilled to know that these poor animals will no longer be used and abused for commercial purposes. We need to rekindle a kinder and gentler world, and these outcomes are quite a statement from the FL and CA voters.

Praise the Lord that he’s protected a number of animal groups from a terrible life in a pen so small, they can’t turn around, as well as getting these young greyhounds off the track to keep them alive beyond the age of 3 and to release the non-racing dogs that are only used for “spare parts”, mainly blood.
Now we need volunteers to start taking these dogs in. They don’t know affection, playfulness, or good health. Many have been living in pain.

Kitty – Congratulations on 2 very hard fought victories! Many, many thanks to you and your team for your tireless efforts on behalf of all animals. People like you really make this world a better place. Now that you have been successful with Amendment 13, I am wondering if the HSUS has a plan to re-home/ rehabilitate the thousands of dogs who will surely be tossed aside by their owners once dog racing is indeed phased out in Florida?

Thank you to all those involved in fighting for animal rights. Exploitation of any human and non-human is dispicable. I am so grateful to see there are like-minded persons out there that CARE and more importantly went to the polls to vote against this cruelty. Our voices were heard. Now we all need to be viligant to see the new regulations are put into practice.

The article states that there are approximately 8,000 Greyhounds in the racing industry in Florida. I agree that it’s a cruel industry and needed to end a long time ago. What will happen to the 8,000 dogs? Will the owners kill them? I hope that the people that campaigned so hard for the Proposition thought far enough ahead and asked, what about the dogs? What will happen to them?

They didn’t. Hardly any thought was given as to what will happen to the greys. They will hopefully be turned over to greyhound rescue groups, which will be overwhelmed by the sheer volume (8000 greyhounds over 24 months is 333 per month). No funding has been allocated for these mostly all volunteer organizations. The major funders of this amendment do little to nothing to ensure these elegant creatures are taken care of and/or found homes for. As the mother to 2 retired racing greyhounds, I am racing neutral. But a lot more thought should have been given to this amendment than just “shut ’em down!”

Thanks for all the hard work from everyone involved at every level. This shows that while greedy corporations and their political allies have the money they don’t have the power!!! The power to make change really is in our hands we just have to stand together. When can we take steps to adopt this same type of legislation in the other 49 states?

Angela,I’m so thrilled about CA’s Prop.12 for gestational crates for sows being passed. These gentle creatures are treated in barbaric ways that you can’t imagine! N.D. needs a similar law
Passed to keep out these greedy S_ _ s from MN.No-one wants these animals to suffer in the name of greedy corporations!😎🤔🐕🥀

If a Florida greyhound racing association has threatened to put non-working greyhounds down, then this says everything about their attitude about dogs (and probably all animals): if they’re not making money, then they have no value.

Organize now to help adopt out the greyhounds in the event this might be preventable.

If puppy mills threatened to kill all of its dogs should puppy mills become illegal (a no-brainer), should they be allowed to stay in business to prevent them from killing their dogs?

The ones who do not want the animals killed for spite or lack of profit, should prevail, just as King Solomon awarded the baby to the mother who was willing to give up her half of the baby.

Yes what about the 8,000 greyhounds what is going to happen to them! Thy need to be saved from these people!! Because thy are just going to kill them now!! Thy could even start a under ground racing place that has no protection for the dogs. These dogs need to BE cared for NOW!!!!!!

Congratulations on the Factory Farm Animal win. Unfortunately it still is not enough. They still are in small cages. They never get to be in the fresh air or feel the sun on their faces. They are treated like machines that can’t feel pain, subjected to antibiotics because of the deplorable intense living conditions and brutally discarded if they can’t hold their own. Their is nothing redeemable about factory farming. The perpetrators of this inhumane treatment of our farm animals need not bother going to church anymore or pray that they will go to heaven on judgement day. They will not be sitting at the right hand of God on Judgement day, but all mistreated animals will be.

I am happy to know about this success that improve all of us to fight for animals in spite of all difficulties because if we TALK IN LOUD VOICE FOR THEM WE ARE GOING TO WIN BECAUSE LOVE AND COMPASSION ARE WITH US SO GOD TOO.
Congratulations to you always fighting without rest for them . Today I can breath in a best way thanks for me too . Thanks for the great news I would put it in Facebook I’ll try

Hey Kitty, can you comment on the efforts that are being made to help place the greyhounds that will need rehoming when this does take effect? There are people out there who are expressing concerns. I understand that most of these dogs would have rotated out of racing in two years anyway, which is when the ban takes effect. But it would help if HSUS offered a statement on how it is assisting with the effort to help these dogs in the wake of the ban. Thanks!

Hi, I am the blog editor. Thanks for your question. Racing greyhounds are legally owned by the industry and are sent to the industry sanctioned greyhound adoption groups all over the country. Traditionally, the
industry will only send their dogs to adoption groups that openly defend them or remain silent about animal welfare problems associated with racing. The Humane Society of the United States has continually reached out to industry
to offer assistance. With the passage of Amendment 13 in Florida, we are fully committed to partnering with the industry to find homes for these gentle dogs. We are hopeful the industry will be open to working with us in a joint effort to do the right thing for these dogs.

I think you are all crazy! I have my babies in pens when they are young so the other animals don’t step on them. As well as to protect them from coyotes and wild dogs. You have no idea about the small farmer or farm life. You need to worry about people who don’t bathe or care for their selves.

Congratulations, HSUS!!! I owned a retired racing greyhound. They are the sweetest, mildest most wonderful dogs. I am so happy that barbaric “sport” has been banned in Florida that I am actually crying. Wonderful news!!!

I was so happy, happy to see this on the ballot! The first thing I voted for and to be honest the only two I cared about. I am ever so grateful for our animals. Thank God someone cares to put this to a vote! Thank you so very much and the animals thank you!

FINALLY, SOME GREAT NEWS!!! Thanks to all who put in their time and energy into fighting for animals! And a HUGE Thank you to all of the voters in California and Florida who helped make these changes!! Would LOVE to see these types of changes in ALL STATES!!!
Again….THANK-YOU for being their voice!

Great news, but trying to find these dogs homes is going to a great task.the owners and trainers of these dogs take care of all their animals mind you there are a few who only think of them as money makers but in my thoughts and prayers I hope they do the right thing by finding a solution and rehome them and not execute them.

Thank you all for putting your lives out there for animals who suffer by this cruel world. I am so grateful and so happy to know that there are people who love and desire what I desire and are able to go above and beyond to fight for animals. I may not be able to do what you guys do, but I do pray everyday for favor over the goodness of those who speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves, and that includes animals. Keep changing the world for the better, God is on your side! Love u all

This is amazing! Thank you for your hard work! Shame on the opposition groups. I run a small business – definitely not on the large scale they’re on – but I understand losing money.

I also understand right from wrong, which is why I spend a little more on eco-friendly bags, purchase the pricier supplies from places that pay their workers a living wage, etc. You can run a business and still care for others. These people seem to have lost their empathy.

Having been involved with Dog Rescue for many years, I would be delighted to adopt a Greyhound…age is not an issue! I have 3 dogs that get along with no issues & are spayed/ neutered & current with vaccinations & spoiled rotten!!! My bed is bit crowded !!! Susan Myerowitz. CELL PHONE 704-754 7451

I am so happy for all the animals in California, thank you for standing up for all animals. Thank you Florida for standing up for the greyhounds, they deserve better, where will they go, is there a rescue? They need love and running just for fun.
Thank you, thank you one and all.
Animals have rights aldo.

It’s a great day for animals and animal lovers! I just hope and pray that we can end other forms of animal cruelty in the near future, such as the use of animals in labortories for the purpose of product testing, medical research, and education. And hopefully, we will soon be able to end all forms of animal cruelty, as well. It’s up to us to be a voice for the animals. We can do this!

What does Proposition 12 plan to do with the 8,000 Greyhounds after the tracks are closed? My guess is the owners are not going to want to feed and house 8,000 animals for the rest of their lives; will HSUS pick up the tab for these magnificent animals? BTW, I’ve fed and housed retired racing Greyhounds since 1992.

Great news! I hope these laws go in affect immediately not 5 or 10 years from now! EVERY STATE SHOULD BE DOING THIS! HORSE SLAUGHTER SHOULD BE #1 ON THE LIST NOW! GET RID OF THE BLM,THAT’S LIKE HAVING A FOX GUARD A CHICKEN HOUSE! ALSO, THE USDA , ANOTHER BUNCH OF BUMS AND LOWLIFES, THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT ANIMALS, WASTE OF TAXPAYER’S MONEY AGAIN!! NO MORE FACTORY FARMS AND IT SHOULD BE A FELONY AND JAIL FOR THOSE PIECE OF CRAP ABUSERS WHO WORK AND ABUSE THESE ANIMALS ON THESE SO CALLED FARMS!! THANK YOU CALIFORNIA AND THOSE GREAT PEOPLE FOR FIGHTING FOR THESE POOR ANIMALS!

glad that animal world got win…now we need to get safe food act to pass!! We have to stop American horses from dying in most inhuman way because of overbreeding and people that want make blood money from horses death…BLM is a joke to our mustanges that are dying by thosands everyday..AQHA is another sad industry in overbreeding and dumping horses in killpens..i say a prayer everyday that horse slaughter will end..

This is one step closer to leaving animals off of our plates. The industries brainwashing of all of us through the years, which for most of us is a generational brainwashing via advertisements by this very strong industry with billboards and TV ads, is finally being reversed. I have been vegetarian for 5 years, vegan for 1.5. I find that each and every day, I obtain a greater understanding of why animal products should be off of our plates. The veil between truth and lies is lifted.
We need to work for justice for the other inhabitants of this earth. Not to be repetative with other activists for animals, but I know one day that the idea of eating animal products will one day be as repulsive as slavery is. So happy we are moving in the right direction.

Praise the Lord!! This is awesome news. I pray everyday that God will protect our animals from abuse and neglect. Thank you HSUS and others for fighting for the welfare and humane treatment of the voiceless!!!

While I’m glad that Prop 12 passed, it won’t do as much for chickens as the general population might think. As owner/operator of a small organic farm with chickens that are actually cage free and allowed to roam a large area (cooped at night with no more than 12 chickens to a 16’x8′ enclosure to protect them from predators) it saddens me that prop 12 will still allow factory farmers to cram thousands of hens into enclosed sheds where they need have no more than one square foot per bird. This may actually be worse as, instead of only having to deal with two other hens in a cage, they must now defend themselves continually against untold numbers of other hens. Hens kept this way often suffer serious injury including broken bones, not to mention what it must do to their mental health. They live in squalid conditions, standing in feces, living in stinking, stagnant air.
If you really want to help chickens, buy your chicken and eggs from local small farms where you can actually find out what they’re fed and see the conditions in which they live.
And while farrowing crates should have been outlawed long ago, the scenario for pigs will be similar.
While we’ve accomplished a step forward for farm animal welfare in California, much still needs to be done.

Thank you to those actively spreading the news about the passages of Proposition 12 and Amendment 13, that will put laws in place to protect these precious animals. I’m ready to go into action to help in the transition of the racing tracks into humane treatment of greyhounds. Thank you so much Kitty Block for all you have done to keep us informed of how we as citizens can vote as a means of animal protection. And thank you to everyone that lives with their heart and pocketbook to save, rescue and foster precious animals across this nation.

It’s always wonderful news to receive such positive updates from the HSUS. I give what I can to all of these organizations that fight so selflessly each and every day. If there ever comes a day I hit the lottery the first places I would help would be these wonderful organizations that fight everyday for these precious animals ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of these HEROES who fought tirelessly to make this huge win a reality!!! I can’t express the gratitude I feel in words…this is a sign that WE as a race have evolved…we’re on the right path and it gives me back the HOPE that had lost!!!
God bless these warrior “angels”!!! 😍

The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Humane Society of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390.